P.C. Richard & Son TV Buying Guide: Videos

TVs: TV Buying Guide: How to Find the Best TV for You

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TV Buying Guide: How to Find the Best TV for You

So, you're looking to buy a new TV and you're not sure what to look for. LCD, LED, OLED, 50, 60, or 70 inch, basic TV or Smart TV. I'm here today to help you make the right decision. The size of the room doesn't dictate the size of the TV. More important is the distance you'll be sitting from the screen. Televisions today are much sharper than those manufactured years ago allowing you to sit closer for a more immersive experience without seeing the pixels.
As for television size, I recommend a larger screen at the space and your budget can accommodate. Most living rooms can accommodate a 50 to 60 inch television where most bedrooms, a 32 inch TV fits well. If you want a more precise way to determine the largest TV size for your room, then here is a good formula to go by. Measure the distance from your sitting area to where the television would be placed. Multiply that number by .65. This will give you the largest screen size for that distance. For example, if you're sitting eight feet away from the screen, multiply 8 by .65. This will give you 5.2 or 52 inch TV. Keep in mind you may need to select a smaller size due to the space restrictions like a cabinet or a wall unit.
When it comes to screen types, the most common today is LCD. LCD stands for liquid crystal display. Liquid crystals do not emit light directly therefore they must be back lit by a separate light source. Today's LCD panels are illuminated by LEDs. There are several benefits to this technology. LED televisions usually have a brighter picture, run cooler and use less energy than the earlier flat panel televisions that use compact fluorescent bulbs to eliminate the panel.
Then there's OLED. This technology has been around for some time and today is becoming more popular. OLED stands for organic light-emitting diode. Unlike traditional LED TVs, OLED uses an organic substance that close when the electric current is introduced, therefore back lighting is not necessary. Making this not only the thinnest but also the most energy efficient television technology available today.
If you stream video from a service provider such as Netflix, Hulu, or YouTube, you may want to consider a smart TV. Keep in mind there are different levels of smart televisions and that they are not all the same. In order words some smart TVs are smarter than others. Take a look at the specs or consult one of our sales associates to help you find a television that best fits your needs. For more information on televisions, go to pcrichard.com/learningcenter or visit our YouTube channel.